Proverbs 15:23

KJV

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H376} hath joy {H8057} by the answer {H4617} of his mouth {H6310}: and a word {H1697} spoken in due season {H6256}, how good {H2896} is it!

Complete Jewish Bible

People take pleasure in anything they say; but a word at the right time, how good it is!

Berean Standard Bible

A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!

American Standard Version

A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:23 profoundly illustrates the deep satisfaction and immense value derived from communication that is both appropriate and perfectly timed. It underscores that the ability to deliver a word at the opportune moment brings joy to the speaker and yields exceedingly positive outcomes, emphasizing the critical interplay between wisdom, discernment, and the impactful use of one's speech.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:23 is situated within a broader collection of Solomonic wisdom sayings that frequently contrast the wise and the foolish, particularly in their use of language. The preceding verses in [Proverbs 15](/proverbs/15 "Proverbs 15 - The Power of Words and Wisdom") discuss the destructive nature of harsh words, as seen in [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath"), and the life-giving power of a gentle tongue, highlighted in [Proverbs 15:4](/proverbs/15-4 "Proverbs 15:4 - A Wholesome Tongue is a Tree of Life"). The chapter also emphasizes the Lord’s omnipresence and judgment of all speech, as stated in [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord are in Every Place"). This particular proverb distills the essence of wise communication, focusing not just on the content of speech but crucially on its delivery at the most effective moment, thereby contributing to the chapter's overarching theme of the profound impact of words.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, oral communication was paramount for transmitting wisdom, law, and cultural values. The spoken word carried immense weight, often serving as a binding agreement, a source of blessing, or a pronouncement of judgment. The culture valued elders and sages who possessed the discernment to speak wisely and appropriately. Proverbs, as a genre, emerged from this cultural milieu, providing practical guidance for navigating social interactions and maintaining communal harmony. The emphasis on "due season" reflects an understanding of social etiquette, relational dynamics, and the importance of *kairos*—the opportune moment—in effective communication, which was critical in a society where reputation and honor were deeply tied to one's words and actions.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights **The Power of the Tongue**, a recurring motif emphasizing that words are not neutral but possess the capacity to build up or tear down, to bring life or death, as powerfully stated in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Wisdom and Discernment**, as knowing *when* to speak and *what* to say requires profound insight and understanding, distinguishing the wise from the foolish, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 10:19](/proverbs/10-19 "Proverbs 10:19 - In the Multitude of Words There Lacks Not Sin"). Thirdly, the proverb touches upon **The Importance of Timeliness**, suggesting that the effectiveness and "goodness" of a word are often contingent upon its delivery at the precise moment it is most needed or will be most effectively received, a concept beautifully articulated in [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time to Keep Silence, and a Time to Speak"). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Joy and Satisfaction**, indicating that right communication brings internal delight and positive outcomes for the speaker and potentially the listener.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** From אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. This term refers to an individual, emphasizing the personal experience of joy that comes from effective communication. It implies that this joy is accessible to any person who masters the art of timely speech.
* **joy (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** From שָׂמֵחַ; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). This word denotes a deep sense of gladness, often associated with celebration or a positive, fulfilling experience. In this context, it highlights the profound satisfaction and inner delight that the speaker gains when their words are well-received and effective, leading to positive outcomes.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [idiom] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. This comprehensive term signifies not just a single utterance, but also a matter, a thing, an affair, or a message. It underscores the broad scope of communication, from a simple statement to a complex piece of advice, all of which gain "goodness" when delivered appropriately.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth":** This clause establishes the personal gratification associated with effective communication. The "answer of his mouth" refers to a response, a piece of advice, or a statement that is well-considered and appropriate to the situation. The speaker experiences "joy" because their words have achieved their intended positive effect, whether it's bringing clarity, comfort, resolution, or wisdom. This joy is a direct consequence of discerning and delivering the right message.
* **"and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!":** This second clause amplifies the value of such communication, specifically highlighting the critical element of timing. "In due season" (Hebrew: `ʻêth`) means at the right time, the opportune moment, or appropriately. It's not just *what* is said, but *when* it is said that determines its efficacy and "goodness." The exclamation "how good [is it]!" serves as a rhetorical flourish, emphasizing the immeasurable benefit and profound positive impact of such a timely word, suggesting it is exceedingly beneficial, pleasant, and valuable.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is evident in the two clauses, where the second clause ("a word spoken in due season, how good is it!") expands upon and intensifies the idea presented in the first ("A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth"). The "joy" in the first part is intrinsically linked to the "goodness" of the timely word in the second, creating a cause-and-effect relationship. The phrase "how good [is it]!" functions as a **rhetorical question** or **exclamation**, serving to emphasize the superlative quality and immense value of a word delivered at the opportune moment. This **hyperbole** underscores the extraordinary impact of timely communication, elevating it beyond mere effectiveness to something truly excellent and beneficial. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **synecdoche** by using "mouth" to represent the entirety of one's communicative faculties, highlighting the personal agency and responsibility in speaking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 15:23 speaks to a fundamental principle of divine wisdom: the power and purpose of words. God Himself created the world through His spoken word, as recorded in [Genesis 1:3](/genesis/1-3 "Genesis 1:3 - God Speaks Creation into Being"), demonstrating that words carry creative, life-shaping power. This proverb teaches us that human speech, when aligned with divine wisdom, can also be a force for good, bringing joy and positive outcomes. It calls believers to cultivate discernment, patience, and love in their communication, recognizing that our words reflect our hearts, as Jesus taught in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - For Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks"). The "goodness" of a timely word reflects God's own character, as He is the source of all good things, and His words are always true, timely, and life-giving, designed for our ultimate well-being and His glory.

* [Proverbs 25:11](/proverbs/25-11 "Proverbs 25:11 - A Word Fitly Spoken is Like Apples of Gold")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:23 offers profound insights for our daily interactions, urging us to be intentional and discerning in our speech. In a world often characterized by hasty, thoughtless, or even destructive words, this proverb calls us to pause and consider the impact of our communication. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others and to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, so that our words might be a source of life, encouragement, and wisdom. Whether we are offering counsel, comfort, correction, or simply engaging in conversation, the goal should be to speak in a way that truly serves the moment and brings about positive results, experiencing the joy that comes from being an instrument of grace through our words. This requires not just knowing *what* to say, but discerning *when* and *how* to say it, fostering an environment where truth and love can flourish and where relationships are strengthened by thoughtful, timely communication.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I consider the "due season" before I speak, especially in challenging or sensitive conversations?**
* **In what ways can my words bring joy to others, and what joy do I experience when my words are well-received?**
* **What practices can I adopt to become a more discerning listener, enabling me to speak more effectively and appropriately?**
* **How does the principle of "a word in due season" apply to my digital communication and social media interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does "a word spoken in due season" truly mean?**

Answer: "A word spoken in due season" (Hebrew: `ʻêth`) refers to a word delivered at the precise, opportune, or appropriate moment. It signifies the perfect timing of communication, where the message is not only accurate and helpful but also delivered when it will be most effectively received, understood, and impactful. This includes considering the listener's emotional state, the specific circumstances, and the overall context, ensuring the word serves its intended purpose for good. It implies wisdom and discernment in knowing when to speak, when to remain silent, and how to frame one's words for maximum positive effect, as highlighted in [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "A Time to Keep Silence, and a Time to Speak").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Living Word, as revealed in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word"). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by perfectly timed and profoundly impactful words. From His inaugural sermon on the mount ([Matthew 5:1-12](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes")) to His parables that revealed deep spiritual truths at the opportune moment for His listeners ([Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")), Jesus consistently demonstrated the "goodness" of a word spoken in due season. He knew precisely when to speak words of comfort to the weary ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), challenge to the self-righteous ([Matthew 23:13-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), and healing to the sick ([Mark 5:34](/mark/5-34 "Mark 5:34 - Your Faith Has Made You Well")). His words were always "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing joy, conviction, and transformation. Ultimately, the "answer of His mouth" on the cross, "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), was the perfectly timed word that brought salvation and eternal joy to all who believe, demonstrating the supreme goodness of God's redemptive plan. As believers, we are called to emulate Christ, allowing His Spirit to guide our tongues so that our words, like His, may bring joy and be "good for edification according to the need of the moment" ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 50:4

¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

Proverbs 25:11

¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 25:12

[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Proverbs 12:14

¶ A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Proverbs 16:13

¶ Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

Proverbs 24:26

[Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer.